Saturday, December 18, 2010

Need to upgrade my skills

Nicholas Chan has set up his own company. He worked with an IT company whose office is just above my shop. Met him yesterday and he told me about his newly set up company. Now he provides various IT services like IT systems integrator, IT Projects Management, Automation and Network Security, and also maintenance and services. He also sells special computers for factory usage which is generally more durable compared to normal computers.

My knowledge on networking is limited though enough for day to day operation of the shop. I'm glad that Nicholas shared a bit of his knowledge during our conversation. I wonder whether he has gone to Chicago CCNA or San Diego CCNA where excellent courses on networking were offered. He also shared about some of the internet cafes that he went in another city where the services provided is specifically catered to high end users. He said that in those places the owner have to hire an expert in server and networking just to look after and maintain the computer systems. These expert must have gone through Virginia Cisco Course or Virginia MCITP or similar courses before they can apply for such position.

Would I want to go for such courses? Well, I definitely want to, not just because of the need but because of my interest in knowing more about it. But then, would I have the time to study?

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Need to be tough with the tenants

They can pay if they want to. But they chose not to pay the rental, TNB and water bills. And that makes me angry. Once bitten twice angry. The previous tenants left me with more than RM2.5K for TNB. Now this present tenants want to do the same. NO WAY, NO WAY would I let them do that to me.

SMSed them to pay TNB bills last week. Amount outstanding is RM555 but until today they didn't even bother to pay. Tried to make arrangement with TNB at Banda Kaba but useless also. Lots of bureaucracy, must send this notice that notice... bullshit lah.
They promised to cut off the electricity by Monday but satu habuk pun tarak nampak. No action, talk cock only.

Went to the apartment with my padlock cutter and bought a new padlock. Didn't manage to cut open the padlock but managed to damage it so that the key is useless. Asked the management office to lock the water meter and take out the electricity fuse. Then went back home for lunch.

Guess what. The tenant called me and said that they are trapped inside the apartment. Hahaha (sorry lah...I sound so evil in this post). Told him that I will cut open the padlock (still not sure whether I have the strength to do it or not)provided they pay me the rental and TNB bill amount. So went to the apartment again.

Talked to one of the tenants at the management office. Almost quarrel there. Anyway he said that he will pay the rental provided I open the door. So I went and take the cutter and passed it to him to cut the lock. After a few grueling tries he managed to cut it. Praise God for that. I was thinking that I might have to cut the padlock holder if everything else fails. To cut the story short, he went in and paid me the rental. But they are still without water and electricity. They told me that they will only have the money on the middle of this month. Well, good and fine. Stay without water and light then. So I went back.

Lo and behold. In that evening, I received an SMS from the tenants saying that they have paid the electricity and water bills. HAHAHAHAHA...these %$#^%$^ have the money but they just don't want to pay. So must force them to pay... the hard way.

BTW, I really don't like to be the mean person but by doing so, I managed to save myself from coming out with probably RM1K or more for unpaid bills.

Time to upgrade

Bought another photocopier for the shop. The old one is giving lots of problem lately. The paper would always crumple and/or get stuck. Every time the paper got crumple, it is a waste of money (paper, toner and electricity), time, energy and patience. It also gives a bit impression to the customers. They might not even want to come back to the shop and this is something that I want to avoid. So it is time to get a new photocopier.

The good thing is that my supplier allows me to pay by installments. That enables me to pay him and get the machine. If he wants me to pay the whole sum at one time, then I'm not sure when I will have enough money to do so. Maybe, I would have to get a loan from the bank. But I hate to take loans. Pray that this new machine will last long and give a good return for the business.

World's biggest

Do you know that China is the world's biggest bullion miner. Yes, China. And who is the biggest gold consumer. Well, it's India for now. But China would most probably take over that title from India very soon. I know the Chinese are fond of gold and most of them would buy gold coins as gifts to their loved ones. Looking at the trend of economic uncertainties, it looks like this precious metal would be a safe bet for investors.

Oh ya, even though China is the world's biggest bullion miner, she still has to import gold from other countries. Yes, China's gold mines are not enough to meet its own internal domestic demands. And the good news is that the increase in gold import by China will help to lift prices in the coming months. The Dragon country has voracious appetite for gold.

Quiet

Because my two girls are not at home. No more fighting, shouting, running around, complaining, whining. Well, too quiet also is not good. Miss them. Anyway, I should enjoy the peace and quiet while I can. They will be back this evening and the house will be noisy again.

So far, Ezra has compensated abit with his screaming when he plays with his brother Barnabas. And Barnabas keeps on talking and talking when he is near me. He's the talkative type, the total opposite of his father. But he takes good care of his brother too. Willing to play with his brother even though they are about 3 years apart. It's a wonderful feeling to see them play together, shouting, screaming, laughing and getting excited in their game.

Cameron Highland holiday

Not me but my two daughters, Annabelle and Clarissa. They followed their auntie and grandma. Well, since they are big enough to enjoy a holiday, we just let them go without us. Anyway, we can't go because of work and work and not convenient. *Sigh. Sounds so pathetic.

I do hope they are enjoying themselves there. Yes, I do miss them.

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Expected to go on increasing

Read the paper TheStar today and found an article by By YVONNE TAN on the price of gold. The article mentioned that the price of gold is expected to scale higher at least over the next one year. Well, if that is true, it is indeed good news to me. Yes, I do invest in gold although I did not buy gold coins. I invest in gold saving accounts because I have problem keeping actual gold coins in a safe place.

The downside is that I don't have extra money to invest further. With the roof renovation and buying of another photocopier for my business, all my extra money has disappeared. Would I encourage you to buy gold? Yes, I definitely would do so. I'm not a high risk taker like those who play the stock market daily. I like to play safe and at the moment, investing in gold is a safe bet.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Holiday vacation

One of my daughters grumbled on the lack of activities this holiday. Her cousins are not back and we have yet to plan for a vacation. A bit busy with the business. Furthermore her mom is due in early January so that is also another deterrence factor. Yes, we did thought of going to Cameron Highlands, Genting Highland, and even Port Dickson for our vacation. So far, there is no decision made.

My wife has gone through the net looking at other hotels in Genting and Port Dicksion. We normally search for the hotels that offer cheap rates as school holiday rates can be very expensive in most hotels. Our idea of staying in the hotels is only for night sleep so there is no need to get a very expensive room.

Anyway, we have listed down two beach hotels should the beach be our destination. It is either Bayu Beach hotel or Tiara Beach Resort. However, knowing my wife, she would prefer to go to the cool places like Genting and Cameron.